What does a bellow do on a boat?
Bellows have many applications both on and off the water from expandable buses to folding cameras. Their primary purpose is protection from moisture and debris while providing flexibility. Boats have a bellows around the shift cable, one around the U-joints, and another at the exhaust.
How long do Mercruiser shift cables last?
High quality cables, installed with no sharp bends should last many years. Plenty of people get 10+ years out of control cables, even cheap ones.
Is it hard to replace bellows on a boat?
It is a job for the experienced DIYer. You will need special tools, some of which you can rent at your local auto parts store. You can expect to pay under $100 if you them. It’s best to replace all the bellows at the same time.
How do I check my Mercruiser bellows?
Look for any signs of moisture on the bottom of the u-joint bellow. With the drive full trimmed up turn hard to the left. This will give you excellent access to inspect the shift bellow. Pull the outdrive to check the alignment and check for any signs of moisture in the bellows and shift cavity.
How do I remove the shift cable from the shift plate?
Disconnect the drive shift cable from the shift plate. Remove the two little itsy bitsy set screws from the sides of the end of the drive shift cable. Remove the black plastic cable end and loosen the brass lock-nut on the stainless tube. Unscrew the stainless tube from the end of the cable sheath.
How does the shift system work on a MerCruiser Alpha?
The shift system of a Mercruiser Alpha system is really very simple BUT it must all be working properly. The remote control will pull the dash shift cable when placed into forward gear. The dash shift cable attaches to a shift plate mechanism back on the engine. The shift plate mechanism will then move the drive shift cable.
How does a shift cable work?
The drive shift cable will move a slide mechanism in the bellhousing which in turn will rotate the upper shift lever. When the shift lever is turned, it rotates the upper, middle and lower shift shafts. This shift shaft system ends up turning a bellcrank in the lower unit. The bellcrank will slide a spool assembly which is attached to the clutch.
How does a shift cable work on a Ford Ranger?
The drive shift cable will move a slide mechanism in the bellhousing which in turn will rotate the upper shift lever. When the shift lever is turned, it rotates the upper, middle and lower shift shafts. This shift shaft system ends up turning a bellcrank in the lower unit.